Exit Visa in Kuwait (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait reintroduced an exit-permit requirement on 1 July 2025. It applies alongside the older restrictions below:
- Private-sector expatriates need employer approval to leave Kuwait — the employer submits a digital exit permit through the Sahel app or the Ashal portal. Kuwait is currently the only GCC state operating such a requirement.
- Domestic workers under Law No. 68 of 2015 may still need to coordinate departure with their sponsor due to visa processing requirements.
- Workers with pending court cases or outstanding debts may have a travel ban (man' safar) imposed by a judge — check through the MOI portal before booking flights.
- If your residence permit has expired, you must pay accumulated fines (KWD 2/day) and clear your immigration status before departing.
- Workers leaving permanently (final exit/khorooj niha'i) should ensure all end-of-service indemnity and outstanding wages are settled before departure.
When does it apply?
- You want to travel out of Kuwait temporarily for vacation or family visit and return.
- You are leaving Kuwait permanently and need to process a final exit.
- Your employer is refusing or delaying your exit permit and you need to know how to escalate it.
What to Do If You Have a Travel Ban and Cannot Leave Kuwait
- Check your travel status through the MOI online portal or Sahel app before booking flights — this will show any travel bans.
- If there is a travel ban, consult a lawyer to understand the cause (usually an unpaid debt or pending case) and how to resolve it.
- Before a final exit, settle all debts, collect your end-of-service indemnity, and cancel your residence permit through your sponsor.
- Request the exit permit early through Sahel or Ashal — it is your employer who submits it. If the employer refuses or does not respond, escalate to the PAM dispute department rather than travelling without it.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume you can leave freely if you have pending court cases or debts — check for travel bans through the MOI portal first.
- Do not leave Kuwait on final exit without collecting your end-of-service indemnity — it is extremely difficult to claim from abroad.
- Do not hand your passport to anyone who claims it is needed for exit processing — you can handle exit formalities yourself or through the MOI portal.
About Immigration Rights in Kuwait
If you live in Kuwait on a visa, you fall under the Foreigners' Residency Law (Law No. 17 of 1959), with work permits handled by PAM. You need a NOC to transfer employers (PAM can override in abuse cases) and can switch after one year, or immediately if the employer broke the contract. Main categories are Article 18 (employment), Article 20 (investor), and Article 22 (family). Family sponsorship needs KWD 250-450/month minimum salary. Carry your Civil ID at all times. Overstay fines: KWD 2/day, then deportation. Periodic amnesties allow regularisation.
Common Questions
What is the exit visa requirements right in Kuwait?
Kuwait reintroduced an exit-permit requirement on 1 July 2025. It applies alongside the older restrictions below:Private-sector expatriates need employer approval to leave Kuwait — the employer submits a digital exit permit through the Sahel app or the Ashal portal. Kuwait is currently the only GCC state operating such a requirement.Domestic workers under Law No. 68 of 2015 may still need to coordinate departure with their sponsor due to visa processing requirements.Workers with pending court cases or outstanding debts may have a travel ban (man' safar) imposed by a judge — check through...
When does it apply — exit visa requirements?
You want to travel out of Kuwait temporarily for vacation or family visit and return.You are leaving Kuwait permanently and need to process a final exit.Your employer is refusing or delaying your exit permit and you need to know how to escalate it.
What should I do if I am prevented from leaving Kuwait due to a travel ban or employer action?
Check your travel status through the MOI online portal or Sahel app before booking flights — this will show any travel bans.If there is a travel ban, consult a lawyer to understand the cause (usually an unpaid debt or pending case) and how to resolve it.Before a final exit, settle all debts, collect your end-of-service indemnity, and cancel your residence permit through your sponsor.Request the exit permit early through Sahel or Ashal — it is your employer who submits it. If the employer refuses or does not respond, escalate to the PAM dispute department rather than travelling without it.
What should you NOT do — exit visa requirements?
Do not assume you can leave freely if you have pending court cases or debts — check for travel bans through the MOI portal first.Do not leave Kuwait on final exit without collecting your end-of-service indemnity — it is extremely difficult to claim from abroad.Do not hand your passport to anyone who claims it is needed for exit processing — you can handle exit formalities yourself or through the MOI portal.